Councillor Roberts has given notice to move the following Motion at the Council meeting on Tuesday 8th July 2025:

‘Council rejects the Minister of State for Local Governmenr and English Devolution’s characterisation of the committee system of governance as being ‘unclear, duplicative, and wasteful’.

Council opposes government’s plans to abolish the committee system and to force councils to adopt a Strong Leader and Cabinet system.

Council believes that imposing a one-size-fits-all structure risks undermining local autonomy and the democratic engagement of elected representatives. Richmond Council will continue to champion governance that puts residents first and empowers all councillors to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of our Borough.’

A well-worded and apposite motion.

But some, especially in the east of the Borough, may regard it as ironic coming from a ‘Strong Leader’ who effectively runs a Cabinet system.